This carpet was owned by Robert Todd Lincoln (1843-1926), and according to family tradition was a gift to him from the Empress Dowager Cixi of China (1835-1908). It was part of the furnishings of Hildene, Robert Todd Lincoln's mansion in New Hampshire. Robert Todd Lincoln was the sole surviving child of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln and served as Secretary of War in the Garfield administration (1881-1885) and as U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain (1889-1893). He was general counsel of the Pullman Company and on George Pullman's death assumed the presidency of the firm (1897-1926).
Full Provenance:
Robert Todd Lincoln (1843-1926).
Jesse Harlan Lincoln (1875-1948) married Warren Beckwith.
Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith (1904-1985), in 1927 married Hazel H. Wilson.
By gift to Doris Beckwith Wilson Crans (step-daughter of Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith), married Russell Crans.
By descent to Robert Crans, Jr. (1962--).